Ever struggled to help your clients change? A North Star is crucial for guiding client companies, but it’s meaningless without the underlying trust and supported by tangible practices.

For this week’s episode, we welcome back Ana Andjelic, the acclaimed brand executive and author of the popular newsletter “The Sociology of Business.” With extensive experience in transforming and growing brands, Ana offers insights on what it takes to drive meaningful change within established companies and underscores the importance of “dumbly believing” in the possibility of transformation to initiate significant changes. Rei also complements her insights with examples of I&CO’s relationships with clientele leadership.

Ana Andjelic is a global brand executive, author of “The Business of Aspiration” and has been recognized two times by Forbes for her CMO work. Ana specializes in building brand-driven modern businesses. She earned her doctorate in sociology and is a widely read columnist, speaker and advisor. Subscribe to her newsletter, The Sociology of Business.

Timestamps:

• 0:03 Transforming Legacy Brands Through Creativity and Technology
• 6:34 Bridging Abstract Business Goals with Tangible Creative Solutions
• 15:18 Challenges and Realities of Driving Organizational Change
• 22:03 Lightning Questions
• 26:04 The New Rules of Brand Marketing

Episode References:

• Ana Andjelic | Newsletter
• Ana Andjelic | Instagram
• Ana Andjelic | LinkedIn
• Ana Andjelic | Online Portfolio
• Rei Inamoto | Instagram
• Rei Inamoto | X
• I&CO | Corporate Site

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Reviving brands requires understanding their origin stories, injecting fresh imagination, and “an orchestrated push”, according to Ana Andjelic.

On this week’s episode, we welcome the acclaimed brand executive Ana Andjelic. As the former global chief brand officer of iconic fashion brands such as Banana Republic and Esprit, Ana shares powerful strategies for reviving brands and emphasizes the importance of aligning product propositions with overarching brand concepts. The discussion also delves into the divide between brand and performance marketing and the influence of technology on perception.

Ana Andjelic is a global brand executive, author of “The Business of Aspiration” and has been recognized two times by Forbes for her CMO work. Ana specializes in building brand-driven modern businesses. She earned her doctorate in sociology and is a widely read columnist, speaker and advisor. Subscribe to her newsletter, The Sociology of Business.

Timestamps:

• 0:03 Reviving Brands with Ana Andjelic
• 1:50 Balancing Productivity Between New York and Miami
• 4:12 Reviving Brand Identity Through Founders' Original Intentions
• 6:46 The Imaginative Origins and Evolution of Banana Republic
• 8:25 Reviving Banana Republic's Brand Through Strategic Decisions
• 9:32 Imagined Worlds and Functional Maximalism in Banana Republic
• 11:23 Balancing Brand Vision and Designer Creativity in Fashion Marketing
• 17:39 Defining New American Sportswear Through Urban and Creative Lenses
• 21:22 The Intersection of Performance Marketing and Brand Marketing
• 28:49 The New Rules of Brand Marketing in a Changing Landscape
• 32:21 The Evolution of Technology and Its Impact on Perception
• 35:07 The Interplay of Technology, Culture, and Society in Innovation
• 45:05 Three Takeaways

Episode References:

• Ana Andjelic | Newsletter
• Ana Andjelic | Instagram
• Ana Andjelic | LinkedIn
• Ana Andjelic | Online Portfolio
• Rei Inamoto | Instagram
• Rei Inamoto | X
• I&CO | Corporate Site

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The framework for deploying generative AI for brands and corporations as read by Simon Osmont.

The Intersection is Rei’s weekly newsletter that explores what the future holds at the intersection of creativity and technology. Subscribe to The Intersection to receive his latest editions directly in your inbox.

Episode References:

• How to AI | Article
• Simon Osmont | Website
• Rei Inamoto | Instagram
• Rei Inamoto | X
• I&CO | Corporate Site

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How do smaller AI companies stand against giant corporations with more significant resources?

On this week’s episode, we welcome back Sho Rust, the Founder & CEO of SHO.AI, to discuss the future of AI-based services in an increasingly competitive industry, the intricacies of scaling a business, and how AI can enhance the work of professionals.

Sho Rust, an entrepreneur with a deep commitment to AI and design in brand content generation, has a rich professional background marked by significant contributions to the industry. His career includes roles at the United Nations, B-Reel, co-founding RAREFORM, and impactful work for brands like Disney, Google, and Nike. At the Boston Consulting Group's Digital Ventures Division, he excelled as a Lead Brand Technical Designer, skillfully blending AI with design.

In 2018, he launched SHO.AI, a Generative AI platform that predates ChatGPT. This platform has been embraced by universities, global agencies, and Fortune 100 brands, revolutionizing their creative processes. Additionally, Sho dedicates his Saturday mornings to teaching at the same college he graduated from, sharing his knowledge and passion for AI and design.

Timestamps:

• 0:04 Exploring AI's Impact on Creativity and Content Creation
• 1:25 Balancing Startup Growth, Culture, and Leadership Challenges
• 6:03 Innovating Brand Management with AI-Driven Design
• 8:51 Challenges and Successes in AI-Augmented Branding
• 12:23 Empowering Humans With AI: The Superpower Synergy
• 13:23 Harnessing AI Tools Requires Skill and Patience
• 14:43 ChatGPT's Impact on Perception and Business Practices
• 17:55 AI Platform Scrutiny and Competitive Pressures Intensify
• 20:26 Tech Giants and Nations Invade the AI Island
• 21:19 Agility and Innovation in AI Product Development
• 24:23 Lightning Questions
• 28:00 Three Takeaways

Episode References:

• SHO.AI | Corporate Site
• Sho Rust | LinkedIn
• Rei Inamoto | Instagram
• Rei Inamoto | X
• I&CO | Corporate Site

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Opportunities are everywhere. It’s just a matter of recognizing them and bringing those ideas to life.

On this week’s episode, we welcome Sho Rust, the Founder & CEO of SHO.AI, to hear about his journey from studying design to starting his own AI platform for content creation. Sharing Sho’s challenges in building his own company, the discussion highlights the importance of passion, execution, and recognizing opportunities for success.

Sho Rust, an entrepreneur with a deep commitment to AI and design in brand content generation, has a rich professional background marked by significant contributions to the industry. His career includes roles at the United Nations, B-Reel, co-founding RAREFORM, and impactful work for brands like Disney, Google, and Nike. At the Boston Consulting Group's Digital Ventures Division, he excelled as a Lead Brand Technical Designer, skillfully blending AI with design.

In 2018, he launched SHO.AI, a Generative AI platform that predates ChatGPT. This platform has been embraced by universities, global agencies, and Fortune 100 brands, revolutionizing their creative processes. Additionally, Sho dedicates his Saturday mornings to teaching at the same college he graduated from, sharing his knowledge and passion for AI and design.

Timestamps:

0:04 Exploring AI's Impact on Content Creation with Sho Rust

1:24 Bridging Design, Technology, and Entrepreneurship

3:20 From Art to AI: A Designer's Evolution

6:52 From AI Projects to Disruptive Startups at BCG

9:51 Rapid Growth and Japanese Expansion

10:33 Scaling Design Systems With AI Across Global Brands

14:11 Early Experiments with Language Models Transforming Brand Management

15:31 From Cushy Jobs to Grandma's Basement Startup

18:13 Startup Challenges and the Importance of Simplification

20:21 Rapid Growth and Strategic Focus in Tech Startups

24:58 Three Takeaways

Episode References:

SHO.AI | Corporate Site

Sho Rust | LinkedIn

Rei Inamoto | Instagram

Rei Inamoto | X

I&CO | Corporate Site

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A campaign worth numerous advertising awards doesn’t necessarily mean your community of customers will like the idea.

On this week’s episode, we welcome Ginny Golden, the Executive Creative Director at YETI, to hear about YETI’s rapid revenue growth and the importance of staying true to the brand’s authenticity. Ginny shares her experience transitioning from agency-side to in-house at YETI, insights on building an in-house agency, and the value in cultivating a strong community of dedicated customers.

Timestamps:

• 0:03 From Agency Creative to Executive Director at Yeti
• 2:38 Transitioning to Yeti for a Broader Creative Experience
• 3:36 Transforming an In-House Creative Agency at Yeti
• 5:26 Challenges of Onboarding and Brand Stewardship at Yeti
• 8:12 Yeti's Multidimensional Brand and Community Authenticity
• 11:46 Embracing Outdoor Lifestyles: From Casual to Hardcore
• 12:33 Tensions Between Creativity and Capitalism in Corporate Culture
• 13:32 Yeti's Growth: Brand Heart and Founders' Spirit
• 17:32 Nike's Ethos and History Through Maxims and Booklets
• 19:26 Crafting Artifacts to Preserve a Rapidly Growing Company's Story
• 21:10 Yeti's Brand Growth and Marketing Strategy Discussed
• 22:51 Unlocking Yeti's Growth Through Authenticity and Versatility
• 25:41 Innovative Brand Building and Community Engagement at Yeti
• 29:40 Turning Lost Gear Into Delightful Surprises
• 30:28 Cultivating Authentic Community Connections in Marketing
• 32:55 A Surfer, Skater, and Pitmaster's Old World Hog Hunt
• 33:24 Authenticity as a Brand's Defining Characteristic
• 35:52 Balancing Short-Term Demands With Long-Term Brand Strategy
• 37:11 Lightning Questions
• 41:51 Three Takeaways

Episode References:

• YETI | Corporate Site
• Ginny Golden | LinkedIn
• Rei Inamoto | Instagram
• Rei Inamoto | X
• I&CO | Corporate Site

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rei answers questions about hiring in the creative industry with guest Roy Husada. This AMA segment dives into challenges that small studios face when competing with big agencies and tech companies for talent, the importance of codifying a company’s operational principles, and practical tips such as the strategic use of in-house recruiters who understand the company’s DNA.

Roy Husada comes on our show with questions as Founder & Managing Director at Rival Schools Japan, a creative agency specializing in brand localization for the Japanese market.

Episode References:

• Rival Schools Japan | Corporate Site
• Roy Husada | LinkedIn
• Rei Inamoto | Instagram
• Rei Inamoto | X
• I&CO | Corporate Site

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is the decline of elitism of creativity inevitable? as read by Simon Osmont.

The Intersection is Rei’s weekly newsletter that explores what the future holds at the intersection of creativity and technology. Subscribe to The Intersection to receive his latest editions directly in your inbox.

Episode References:

• The Cult of Productivity | Article
• Rei Inamoto | Instagram
• Rei Inamoto | X
• I&CO | Corporate Site

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.